who needs willpower anyway?

i know i've been on a shopping ban and all, but i had to cave...a little. it's been a while, i think, anyway. at any rate, i didn't exactly blow it bigtime: just two tiny purchases. coaxed into browsing by sales and free shipping i indulged myself in two basic wardrobe building pieces. the first, a drapey grey vest from urban outfitters that, with the aid of my black skinny jeans and a tee, will help me pull off the alexander wang look splendidly.

and the second was this red tulip skirt from american apparel...

...because i have been haunted by this ali larter look for some time now and could no longer resist reinterpreting it for myself (mock necks aren't terribly becoming on me, what can i say).

plus i further rationalize it due to, what i presume to be, the nearly infinite outfit combinations that could potentially be derived from it. and to give credit where credit's due: i believe this photo is from mahalo fashion, though it's been in my inspiration folder for so long i can't be sure. perhaps jen can confirm or deny.

top photos courtesy of urbanoutfitters.com and americanapparel.net, respectively